On Tuesday morning the body of a soldier was found in the River Avon between Ratfyn and Countess. It was got out and subsequently identified as that of Thomas Charles Davey, of the MT, ASC, stationed at Bulford Camp.

An inquest was held at the Workhouse yesterday (Thursday) afternoon before Mr F H Trethowan, coroner, and a jury, of which Mr H Cox was chosen foreman.

The widow, Mrs Alice Beatrice Davey, said she lived at 88, Cambridge Grove Road, Norbiton, and she last saw her husband on November 29th, when he left home for Bulford after a few days leave. He was in no trouble, and seemed in the best of spirits when he wrote to her last. He suffered from asthma but not very seriously.

Henry Potter, of Durrington, platelayer ; Richard Smith, of Ratfyn, engine driver at the power station, and PC Beare, of Amesbury, deposed to recovering the body. Dr Browne said there were no marks of violence on it, but it was badly decomposed and had been in the water for a considerable time.

Captain Cole, of the MT, ASC, said Davey joined the Army in August, 1915, and came to the depot in November. He was reported missing on December 28th, and on January 18th was posted as a deserter. He had a most excellent character.

Corporal Barnes of the MT, ASC, who knew Davey well, said he last saw him on December 28th, when he was perfectly sober and in the best of spirits.

The Coroner said in summing up it was a very sad case, but there was no evidence to show how the deceased came into the water. The jury returned a verdict of “Found Drowned,” and with the witnesses gave their fees to the widow and also asked the Coroner to express their deep sympathy with her. She is left with 7 children, the eldest 13 years of age.